Method for regenerating photovoltaic module and photovoltaic module

ABSTRACT

The present invention allows a crystalline photovoltaic module having a super straight type structure in which a light-receiving surface side-sealing EVA layer  2 , a photovoltaic cell matrix  3 , a back surface side-sealing EVA layer  4  and a back surface-sealing weatherproof film  5  are laminated sequentially in this order on a light-receiving glass  1  and these components are formed into an integral piece to be reused after it has been used in the market for a long time by extending the lifetime of the photovoltaic module. The regeneration method includes peeling the back surface-sealing weatherproof film  5 , laminating a new back surface side-sealing EVA layer  8  and a new back surface-sealing weatherproof film  9  in a portion in which the film has been peeled, and then curing for crosslinking the new back surface side-sealing EVA layer  8  that is laminated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for regenerating aphotovoltaic module and a photovoltaic module. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to a method for regenerating a crystallinephotovoltaic module having a super straight type structure in which alight-receiving surface side-sealing resin (EVA: ethylene vinyl acetate)layer, a photovoltaic cell, a back surface side-sealing resin (EVA)layer and a back surface side-sealing weatherproof film are laminatedsequentially in this order on a light-receiving glass and thesecomponents are formed into an integral piece, and such a photovoltaicmodule.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Photovoltaic modules have been developed and produced withweatherproofness, durability and reliability for long term operation asthe first priority so that the photovoltaic modules can be used inexposed outdoor locations over a long time. For example, reliabilitytests of crystalline photovoltaic modules are defined in JIS C8917 orIEC61215, and manufacturers of photovoltaic modules have made efforts tosatisfy the requirements of the tests and further have pursued forhigher reliability with their own safety margins.

[0005] Photovoltaic modules for houses have been rapidly spread, partlybecause of the governmental aid for private houses that started in 1996in Japan together with increased consciousness of environmentalproblems. This rapid spread has resulted from the efforts put to amarket development by suppliers, which have make it possible to installa photovoltaic module with about 3 KW, which covers all powerconsumption of a standard household, on a roof of a house, and todevelop a photovoltaic module whose appearance goes with the roof of ahouse and a method for installing the photovoltaic module.

[0006] On the other hand, industrial photovoltaic modules that areinstalled in buildings, warehouses, gymnastic halls, or large capacitypublic buildings have been remarkably spread. Power generating systemsfor the industrial field for buildings are attributed mostly to thedemand creation of the NEDO field test projects that started in 1992 inJapan, and in recent years, industrial power generating systemsdeveloped by the private sector also have been started to be introduced.Their features are that unlike a power generation of about 3 KW forgeneral households, the power generation scale is as large as 10 KW ormore, and the area for installation is large.

[0007] In order to achieve the new energy introduction outline, thesolar power generating system has been promoted energetically by bothpublic and private sectors, as described above. However, the system hasa lifetime as long as it is man-made equipment, so that eventually it isdisposed of or recycled.

[0008] The solar power generating system is in the early stage of theintroduction, and its life is long, so that there is little need oftreatment after use. It is very important and necessary also in view ofthe nature as a commercial product to develop the technologies fordisposal methods or the recycling properties of the photovoltaic modulesin order to prepare for the future introduction in large quantity.However, it is difficult to disintegrate the photovoltaic module, and itis also true that if a material and a structure that allow thephotovoltaic module to be disintegrated easily are used, long termreliability cannot be ensured. There is no clear definition as to aspecific quantitative lifetime of the photovoltaic module.

[0009] In other words, unlike other electrical products, thephotovoltaic module has a peculiarity in that it should continue togenerate power, once it is installed. In recent years, the guaranteeperiod of manufactures of the photovoltaic module is generally 10 years,but even if this period has passed, the photovoltaic module does notstop working. On the other hand, although it is desirable to select andcollect the materials when the photovoltaic module has stoppedgenerating electricity, the current state of the art cannot balance thecost and benefits, and therefore there is no other way but to dispose ofthe photovoltaic module as special industrial waste.

[0010] Thus, it is useful in terms of recycling and reuse to allow thephotovoltaic module to generate power as long as possible, that is, toextend the lifetime of the photovoltaic module.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention has been achieved in view of theabove-described current circumferences, and it is an object of thepresent invention to provide a method for regenerating a photovoltaicmodule that can extend the lifetime of a photovoltaic module that hasbeen used in the market for a long time and the photovoltaic module thathas been treated by such a generating method.

[0012] The present invention is directed to extension of the lifetime ofphotovoltaic modules by focusing on the fact that in a photovoltaicmodule used in the market for a long time, the weakest point isdeterioration of the back surface side-sealing resin (EVA), and byarranging a new sealing resin (EVA) on a part of or the entire backsurface of the back surface side-sealing resin (existing sealing resin)so as to regenerate the performance of the back surface side-sealingresin. Specific structures will be described below.

[0013] A method for regenerating a photovoltaic module of the presentinvention is a method for regenerating a photovoltaic module(crystalline photovoltaic module having a super straight type structure)in which a light-receiving surface side-sealing resin layer, aphotovoltaic cell, a back surface side-sealing resin layer and a backsurface-sealing weatherproof film are laminated sequentially in thisorder on a light-receiving glass (on the back surface side) and thesecomponents are formed into an integral piece. The method ischaracterized by peeling the back surface-sealing weatherproof film;laminating a new sealing resin (EVA) and a new back surface-sealingweatherproof film in a portion in which the film has been peeled; andthen curing for crosslinking the new sealing resin that is laminated.

[0014] By performing a regeneration treatment in this manner, thelifetime of the photovoltaic module can be extended, and thephotovoltaic module can be reused (recycled).

[0015] In the method for regenerating a photovoltaic module of thepresent invention, the temperature distribution (in-plane distribution)in the back surface of the module when current is flowing through thephotovoltaic module or the temperature distribution (in-planedistribution) in the back surface of the module when solar light isapplied to the light-receiving surface while the positive electrode andthe negative electrode of the photovoltaic module are short-circuitedmay be detected by a thermal image detecting apparatus (e.g., aninfrared thermoviewer), a portion to be treated for regeneration may bespecified based on the results of the detection of the temperaturedistribution, and a regeneration treatment may be performed partially.

[0016] According to the present invention, when repairing partially thephotovoltaic module that has been used in the market for a long time forregeneration and reuse, cell breakage or microcracks of the cell thatare not visually observed can be detected. When there is a space betweenthe EVA on the back surface of the cell and the back surface-sealingweatherproof film due to penetration of water vapor, outgas or the like,deterioration caused by the space can be detected. Thus, a portion to betreated for regeneration can be specified precisely.

[0017] In the method for regenerating a photovoltaic module of thepresent invention, the back surface-sealing weatherproof film can bepeeled easily by peeling the back surface-sealing weatherproof filmafter the photovoltaic module is exposed outdoors.

[0018] For example, provided that the back surface-sealing weatherprooffilm is formed of a material containing ester bonds. When peeling theback surface-sealing weatherproof film from the photovoltaic module, thephotovoltaic module is placed in an environment of a temperature orhumidity cycle or a combined cycle by outdoor exposure. As a result, theester bonds are broken by hydrolysis, and film deterioration andbreakage is caused by a reduction of the molecular weight. Therefore,peeling can be performed easily even in a mechanical method (e.g.,manual peeling). Further, even if the back surface-sealing weatherprooffilm does not contain ester bonds, a reduction of the molecular weightor crystallization of polymers of the film promote the film fatigue.Therefore, even mechanical peeling can be performed easily.

[0019] In the method for regenerating a photovoltaic module of thepresent invention, the back surface-sealing weatherproof film can bepeeled even more easily than in the above manner, by peeling the backsurface-sealing weatherproof film after the photovoltaic module isexposed to high temperature water vapor.

[0020] The reason for this is as follows. For example, provided that theback surface-sealing weatherproof film is formed of a materialcontaining ester bonds. When peeling the back surface-sealingweatherproof film from the photovoltaic module, the photovoltaic moduleis placed under high temperature water vapor. As a result, the promotingfunction of a hydrolysis reaction by the high temperature water vaporcauses film deterioration and breakage to occur even more rapidly by thebreaking of the ester bonds or a reduction of the molecular weight.Further, even if the back surface-sealing weatherproof film does notcontain ester bonds, a reduction of the molecular weight orcrystallization of polymers of the film proceed rapidly and thus thefilm fatigue proceeds even more rapidly.

[0021] In the photovoltaic module of the present invention, it ispreferable that the new sealing resin (EVA) to be used for theregeneration treatment has a shorter crosslinking time than that of theexisting sealing resin (EVA) that originally has sealed the photovoltaiccell. In this manner, by making the crosslinking time of the new sealingresin short, the existing sealing resin (EVA) can be prevented frombeing crosslinked excessively when attaching and curing for crosslinkingthe new back surface-sealing weatherproof film with the new sealingresin, so that poor appearance due to shrinkage of the EVA or generationof outgas and removal of serial wiring of the photovoltaic cell, etc.can be prevented.

[0022] In the photovoltaic module of the present invention, it ispreferable that the new sealing resin (EVA) to be used for theregeneration treatment has a lower crosslinking temperature than that ofthe existing sealing resin (EVA) that originally has sealed thephotovoltaic cell. In this manner, by making the crosslinkingtemperature of the new sealing resin low, the existing sealing resin(EVA) can be prevented from being crosslinked excessively when attachingand curing for crosslinking the new back surface-sealing weatherprooffilm with the new sealing resin, so that poor appearance due toshrinkage of the EVA or generation of outgas and removal of serialwiring of the photovoltaic cell, etc. can be prevented.

[0023] In the photovoltaic module of the present invention, it ispreferable that the new sealing resin (EVA) to be used for theregeneration treatment contains a larger amount of an anti-ultravioletagent (ultraviolet stabilizer) than that of the existing sealing resin(EVA) that originally has sealed the photovoltaic cell. By containing alarge amount of an anti-ultraviolet agent in the new sealing resin, theanti-ultraviolet agent can be diffused by integrating the new sealingresin and the existing sealing resin. Therefore, in the photovoltaicmodule that has been used in the market for a long time, even if theanti-ultraviolet agent of the existing sealing resin that originally hassealed the photovoltaic module has been consumed and disappeared, theanti-ultraviolet agent can be replenished from the new back surfaceside-sealing resin layer (EVA) to the existing back surface side-sealingresin layer (EVA), which two layers constitute a two-layered structureby the regeneration treatment.

[0024] In the photovoltaic module of the present invention, it ispreferable that when regenerating the module by removing and attachingentirely the back surface-sealing weatherproof film, the new backsurface-sealing weatherproof film to be used for regeneration is blackat least on the light-receiving surface side. In this manner, by usingthe black new sealing weatherproof film at least on the light-receivingsurface side, possibly occurrence of poor appearance such as a colorchange into yellow of the existing sealing resin (EVA) that originallyhas sealed the photovoltaic module cannot become distinct in the entireappearance.

[0025] In the method for regenerating a photovoltaic module of thepresent invention, work for the regeneration treatment such as the filmpeeling, lamination and integration of the sealing resin and the filmand the like can be performed efficiently, by performing theregeneration treatment in such a manner that before peeling the backsurface-sealing weatherproof film, a frame of the photovoltaic moduleand/or a terminal box are removed, and then the regeneration treatmentwith the new sealing resin and the new back surface-sealing weatherprooffilm is performed, and thereafter a new terminal box and/or a new frameof the photovoltaic module or the existing terminal box and/or theexisting frame of the photovoltaic module that were removed areattached.

[0026] Herein, the photovoltaic module that is regenerated by the methodhaving the above-described characteristics has a two-layered structurein a part or the entire of the back surface side-sealing resin layer,and therefore in a crystalline photovoltaic module having a superstraight type structure, when a part or the entire of the back surfaceside-sealing resin layer has a two-layered structure, that photovoltaicmodule can be specified to be a regenerated product.

[0027] Therefore, in the photovoltaic module of the present invention, alight-receiving surface side-sealing resin layer, a photovoltaic cell, aback surface side-sealing resin layer and a back surface-sealingweatherproof film are laminated sequentially in this order on alight-receiving glass (on the back surface side) and these componentsare formed into an integral piece, and the feature that a part or theentire of the back surface side-sealing resin layer has a two-layeredstructure specifies the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028]FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structureof a photovoltaic module to which the present invention is applied.

[0029]FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of aphotovoltaic cell matrix.

[0030]FIGS. 3A to 3C are views of an embodiment of a method forregenerating a photovoltaic module of the present invention.

[0031]FIGS. 4A to 4C are views of an embodiment of another method forregenerating a photovoltaic module of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. The presentinvention is not limited only to the following embodiments.

[0033]FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structureof a photovoltaic module to which the present invention is applied.

[0034] The photovoltaic module of FIG. 1 is a crystalline photovoltaicmodule having a super straight structure, and includes a light-receivingglass 1, a light-receiving surface side-sealing EVA layer 2, aphotovoltaic cell matrix 3, a back surface side-sealing EVA layer 4, anda back surface-sealing weatherproof film 5. The photovoltaic cell matrix3 is an arrangement of a plurality of photovoltaic cells 31, . . . 31 ina matrix as shown in FIG. 2, and these photovoltaic cells 31, . . . 31are connected in series with wires.

[0035] In the photovoltaic module of FIG. 1, a white tempered glasshaving a thickness of 3.2 mm is used as the light-receiving glass 1, thelight-receiving surface side-sealing EVA layer (attachment film layer) 2having a thickness of 0.6 mm, the photovoltaic cell matrix 3, the backsurface side-sealing EVA layer 4 having a thickness of 0.4 mm and a backsurface-sealing weatherproof film 5 (PET: polyethylene terephthalatebased-film, a thickness of 100 μm) are laminated sequentially in thisorder on one surface (back surface) of the light-receiving glass 1. Thelaminated layers (photovoltaic module) having such an arrangement of thematerials are integrated into one piece by a known sealing processingtechnique (e.g., an autoclave method, a vacuum laminate technique or thelike), and then the EVA of the layers is reacted to be cross-linked witheach other for integration into a module.

[0036] After the module integration processing as above is completed, aperipheral frame 6 for the module and a terminal box 7 for electricalconnection are provided, so that a photovoltaic module is completed. Inthe photovoltaic module to which the present invention is applied, thethickness and the type of the light-receiving glass and the EVA layersare not limited to the above values. Moreover, any wiring methods can beused for the photovoltaic cell matrix.

[0037] In this embodiment, the thus produced photovoltaic module thathas been used outdoors for a certain period (e.g., 10 years or more) isregenerated in the following manner. First, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B,the peripheral frame 6 and the terminal box 7 are removed, and then theback surface-sealing weatherproof film 5 is entirely peeled by amechanical method (e.g., manual peeling). Thereafter, a new back surfaceside-sealing EVA layer 8 and a new back surface-sealing weatherprooffilm 9 are laminated sequentially in this order on the existing backsurface side-sealing EVA layer 4 (FIG. 3C). Then, integrating processing(film attachment sealing processing) is performed by a known sealingprocessing technique (e.g., an autoclave method, a vacuum laminationtechnique or the like), and then a new terminal box 10 and a newperipheral frame 11 are provided. Thus, the photovoltaic module can beregenerated.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, as the terminal box 10and the peripheral frame 11, a new box and a new frame are used,respectively, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and theexisting peripheral frame 6 and the existing terminal box 7 that havebeen removed from the module at the time of performing a regenerationtreatment can be used again. Furthermore, the existing terminal box anda new peripheral frame or a new terminal box and the existing peripheralframe can be combined and provided again.

[0039] When the regenerating method of FIG. 3 (replacement on the entiresurface) is performed, it is preferable to use a film with a black colorat least on the light-receiving surface side as the new backsurface-sealing weatherproof film 9 used for the regeneration treatment.If the new sealing weatherproof film 9 is black at least on thelight-receiving surface side, possibly occurrence of poor appearancesuch as a color change into yellow of the existing EVA that originallyhas sealed the photovoltaic module cannot become distinct in the entireappearance.

[0040] Then, another embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C.

[0041] This embodiment shows a treatment example suitable forregeneration in the case where defects are present partially in thephotovoltaic module shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., there is a space 12 betweenthe back surface-sealing weatherproof film 5 and the back surfaceside-sealing EVA layer 4, as shown in FIG. 4A). A specific treatmentwill be described below.

[0042] First, a current is applied across the positive electrode and thenegative electrode terminals of the photovoltaic module in the forwarddirection. With this application of current, a temperature difference(in-plane temperature distribution) generated in the back surface of thephotovoltaic module is detected in the form of an image using aninfrared thermoviewer (not shown).

[0043] In this case, when the space 12 is present between the backsurface-sealing weatherproof film 5 and the back surface side-sealingEVA layer 4 (FIG. 4A) because of peeling or outgas or the like, as aresult of the detection of the infrared thermoviewer, that is, since thetemperature in a portion corresponding to the space 12 is low in thein-plane temperature portion of the back surface of the photovoltaicmodule, the defective portion of the photovoltaic module can bespecified based on the in-plane temperature distribution. Then, as shownin FIGS. 4A to 4C, the defective portion (the portion corresponding tothe space 12) specified by the above-described detection is cut out(peeled), and a new back surface side-sealing EVA layer 8 and a new backsurface-sealing weatherproof film 9 are laminated partially on thiscut-out portion, and resealing regeneration processing is performedpartially. Thus, the photovoltaic module can be regenerated.

[0044] In the in-plane temperature distribution in the back surface ofthe photovoltaic module, if there is a portion that has an extremelylower temperature than that in other portions, that can be specified tobe caused by cell breakage or resistance heat generation due to poorconnection of interconnectors. Therefore, resealing regenerationprocessing can be partially performed to the defective portion in thesame manner as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, so that the photovoltaic modulecan be regenerated.

[0045] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a defective portion is detected andspecified by applying current across the positive electrode and thenegative electrode terminals of the photovoltaic module in the forwarddirection. However, instead of this, the following approach can be used.The light-receiving surface is irradiated with solar light or halogen orxenon lamp light while the positive electrode and the negative electrodeterminals are short-circuited, and the temperature distribution in theback surface of the photovoltaic module is detected by an infraredthermoviewer so that a defective portion is specified.

[0046] Next, the peeling treatment (film peeling treatment) of the backsurface-sealing weatherproof film 5 used in the embodiments of thepresent invention and the new back surface side-sealing EVA layer thatis laminated after the film peeling will be described in detail.

[0047] In the regenerating method of FIGS. 3A to 3C and FIGS. 4A to 4C,when mechanically peeling the back surface-sealing weatherproof film 5,the photovoltaic module is subjected to curing by outdoor exposure, sothat the back surface-sealing weatherproof film 5 can be peeled easily.

[0048] For example, in the case where the back surface-sealingweatherproof film 5 is formed of a material containing ester bonds, whenmechanically peeling the back surface-sealing weatherproof film 5 fromthe photovoltaic module, peeling can be performed easily, even in amechanical method, by placing the photovoltaic module in an environmentof a temperature and humidity cycle or a combined cycle by outdoorexposure. In this case, hydrolysis occurs so that the ester bonds of theback surface-sealing weatherproof film 5 are broken, and filmdeterioration and breakage is caused by a reduction of the molecularweight. Further, even if the back surface-sealing weatherproof film 5does not contain ester bonds, a reduction of the molecular weight orcrystallization of polymers of the film promote the film fatigue.Therefore, even mechanical peeling can be performed easily.

[0049] Furthermore, the back surface-sealing weatherproof film 5 can bepeeled easily by curing the photovoltaic module at a high temperature,high humidity and high pressure (e.g., placing it in a water vaporpressure boiler at 105° C., 100% RH and 1.2 atm for four hours).

[0050] For example, when the back surface-sealing weatherproof film 5 isformed of a material containing ester bonds, the back surface-sealingweatherproof film 5 can be peeled easily from the photovoltaic module byplacing the photovoltaic module under high temperature, high humidityand high pressure. More specifically, a hydrolysis reaction that breaksthe ester bonds is promoted by the function of the high temperaturewater vapor, so that the film is deteriorated and broken even morerapidly by a reduction of the molecular weight. Further, even if theback surface-sealing weatherproof film 5 does not contain ester bonds, areduction of the molecular weight or crystallization of polymers of thefilm proceed rapidly and thus the film fatigue proceeds even morerapidly. Therefore, peeling can be performed easily.

[0051] In the embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable thatEVA having a shorter time for crosslinking than that of EVA of each ofthe existing light-receiving surface side EVA layer 2 and the backsurface side-sealing EVA layer 4 that originally have sealed thephotovoltaic cell matrix 3 is used for the EVA constituting the new backsurface side-sealing EVA layer 8.

[0052] By making the crosslinking time of the EVA (back surfaceside-sealing EVA) for the back surface side-sealing EVA layer 8 used forthe regeneration treatment short, the existing EVA that originally hassealed the photovoltaic module can be prevented from being crosslinkedexcessively when attaching and curing for crosslinking the new backsurface-sealing weatherproof film with the new back surface side-sealingEVA, so that poor appearance due to shrinkage of the EVA or generationof outgas and removal of serial wiring of the photovoltaic cell 31, etc.can be prevented.

[0053] In the embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable thatEVA having a lower temperature for crosslinking than that of EVA of eachof the existing light-receiving surface side EVA layer 2 and the backsurface side-sealing EVA layer 4 that originally have sealed thephotovoltaic cell matrix 3 is used for the EVA constituting the new backsurface side-sealing EVA layer 8.

[0054] By making the temperature for crosslinking of the EVA (backsurface side-sealing EVA) for the back surface side-sealing EVA layer 8used for the regeneration treatment low, the existing EVA thatoriginally has sealed the photovoltaic module can be prevented frombeing crosslinked excessively when attaching and curing for crosslinkingthe new back surface-sealing weatherproof film with the new back surfaceside-sealing EVA, so that poor appearance due to shrinkage of the EVA orgeneration of outgas and removal of serial wiring of the photovoltaiccell 31, etc. can be prevented.

[0055] In the embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable thatEVA containing a larger amount of an anti-ultraviolet agent (ultravioletstabilizer) than that of EVA of each of the existing light-receivingsurface side EVA layer 2 and the back surface side-sealing EVA layer 4that originally have sealed the photovoltaic cell matrix 3 is used forthe EVA constituting the new back surface side-sealing EVA layer 8.

[0056] By containing a large amount of an anti-ultraviolet agent in theEVA (back surface side-sealing EVA) for the back surface side-sealingEVA layer 8 used for the regeneration treatment, the anti-ultravioletagent can be diffused by integrating the new back surface side-sealingEVA and the existing EVA. Therefore, in the photovoltaic module that hasbeen used in the market for a long time, even if the anti-ultravioletagent of the existing back surface side-sealing EVA layer 4 thatoriginally has sealed the photovoltaic module has been consumed anddisappeared, the anti-ultraviolet agent can be replenished from the backsurface side-sealing EVA layer 8 to the existing back surfaceside-sealing EVA layer 4, which two layers constitute a two-layeredstructure by the regeneration treatment.

[0057] Examples of the anti-ultraviolet agent to be added to EVA includebenzophenone-based, benzotriazole-based, benzoate-based, oxanide-based,HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer)-based agents and the like,depending on the preparation of EVA.

[0058] The present invention can be carried out in other various formswithout departing the spirit or the principal characteristics of thepresent invention. Therefore, the above-described examples are onlyillustrative and should not be construed in the limited manner. Thescope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims andis not limited by the foregoing description. Furthermore, all changeswhich come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims areintended to be embraced therein.

[0059] Moreover, the application of the present invention is based onJapanese Patent Application No. 2002-161646 that was filled in Japan,which is incorporated herein by reference. The references cited hereinare entirely incorporated specifically by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for regenerating a photovoltaic modulein which a light-receiving surface side-sealing resin layer, aphotovoltaic cell, a back surface side-sealing resin layer and a backsurface-sealing weatherproof film are laminated sequentially in thisorder on a light-receiving glass and these components are formed into anintegral piece, comprising: peeling the back surface-sealingweatherproof film; laminating a new sealing resin and a new backsurface-sealing weatherproof film in a portion in which the film hasbeen peeled; and then curing for crosslinking the new sealing resin thatis laminated.
 2. The method for regenerating a photovoltaic moduleaccording to claim 1, wherein a temperature distribution in the backsurface of the module when current is flowing through the photovoltaicmodule or a temperature distribution in the back surface of the modulewhen solar light is applied to the light-receiving surface while apositive electrode and a negative electrode of the photovoltaic moduleare short-circuited is detected by a thermal image detecting apparatus,a portion to be treated for regeneration is specified based on resultsof the detection of the temperature distribution, and a regenerationtreatment is performed partially.
 3. The method for regenerating aphotovoltaic module according to claim 1, wherein the backsurface-sealing weatherproof film is peeled after the photovoltaicmodule is exposed outdoors.
 4. The method for regenerating aphotovoltaic module according to claim 1, wherein the backsurface-sealing weatherproof film is peeled after the photovoltaicmodule is exposed to high temperature water vapor.
 5. The method forregenerating a photovoltaic module according to any one of claims 1 to4, wherein the new sealing resin to be laminated on a portion in whichthe film has been peeled has a shorter crosslinking time than that ofthe existing sealing resin sealing the photovoltaic module.
 6. Themethod for regenerating a photovoltaic module according to any one ofclaims 1 to 4, wherein the new sealing resin to be laminated on aportion in which the film has been peeled has a lower crosslinkingtemperature than that of the existing sealing resin sealing thephotovoltaic module.
 7. The method for regenerating a photovoltaicmodule according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the new sealingresin to be laminated on a portion in which the film has been peeledcontains a larger amount of an anti-ultraviolet agent than that of theexisting sealing resin sealing the photovoltaic module.
 8. The methodfor regenerating a photovoltaic module according to any one of claims 1to 4, wherein the new back surface-sealing weatherproof film to belaminated on a portion in which the film has been peeled is black atleast on the light-receiving surface side.
 9. The method forregenerating a photovoltaic module according to claim 5, wherein the newback surface-sealing weatherproof film to be laminated on a portion inwhich the film has been peeled is black at least on the light-receivingsurface side.
 10. The method for regenerating a photovoltaic moduleaccording to claim 6, wherein the new back surface-sealing weatherprooffilm to be laminated on a portion in which the film has been peeled isblack at least on the light-receiving surface side.
 11. The method forregenerating a photovoltaic module according to claim 7, wherein the newback surface-sealing weatherproof film to be laminated on a portion inwhich the film has been peeled is black at least on the light-receivingsurface side.
 12. The method for regenerating a photovoltaic moduleaccording to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein before peeling the backsurface-sealing weatherproof film, a frame of the photovoltaic moduleand/or a terminal box are removed, and then the regeneration treatmentwith the new sealing resin and the new back surface-sealing weatherprooffilm is performed, and thereafter a new terminal box and/or a new frameof the photovoltaic module or the existing terminal box and/or theexisting frame of the photovoltaic module that were removed areattached.
 13. The method for regenerating a photovoltaic moduleaccording to claim 5, wherein before peeling the back surface-sealingweatherproof film, a frame of the photovoltaic module and/or a terminalbox are removed, and then the regeneration treatment with the newsealing resin and the new back surface-sealing weatherproof film isperformed, and thereafter a new terminal box and/or a new frame of thephotovoltaic module or the existing terminal box and/or the existingframe of the photovoltaic module that were removed are attached.
 14. Themethod for regenerating a photovoltaic module according to claim 6,wherein before peeling the back surface-sealing weatherproof film, aframe of the photovoltaic module and/or a terminal box are removed, andthen the regeneration treatment with the new sealing resin and the newback surface-sealing weatherproof film is performed, and thereafter anew terminal box and/or a new frame of the photovoltaic module or theexisting terminal box and/or the existing frame of the photovoltaicmodule that were removed are attached.
 15. The method for regenerating aphotovoltaic module according to claim 7, wherein before peeling theback surface-sealing weatherproof film, a frame of the photovoltaicmodule and/or a terminal box are removed, and then the regenerationtreatment with the new sealing resin and the new back surface-sealingweatherproof film is performed, and thereafter a new terminal box and/ora new frame of the photovoltaic module or the existing terminal boxand/or the existing frame of the photovoltaic module that were removedare attached.
 16. The method for regenerating a photovoltaic moduleaccording to claim 8, wherein before peeling the back surface-sealingweatherproof film, a frame of the photovoltaic module and/or a terminalbox are removed, and then the regeneration treatment with the newsealing resin and the new back surface-sealing weatherproof film isperformed, and thereafter a new terminal box and/or a new frame of thephotovoltaic module or the existing terminal box and/or the existingframe of the photovoltaic module that were removed are attached.
 17. Themethod for regenerating a photovoltaic module according to any one ofclaims 9 to 11, wherein before peeling the back surface-sealingweatherproof film, a frame of the photovoltaic module and/or a terminalbox are removed, and then the regeneration treatment with the newsealing resin and the new back surface-sealing weatherproof film isperformed, and thereafter a new terminal box and/or a new frame of thephotovoltaic module or the existing terminal box and/or the existingframe of the photovoltaic module that were removed are attached.
 18. Aphotovoltaic module in which a light-receiving surface side-sealingresin layer, a photovoltaic cell, a back surface side-sealing resinlayer and a back surface-sealing weatherproof film are laminatedsequentially in this order on a light-receiving glass and thesecomponents are formed into an integral piece, wherein a part or anentire of the back surface side-sealing resin layer has a two-layeredstructure.